Women’s wrestling team details the program’s unique origins and growth

For the Liberty University women’s wrestling team, wrestling is more than just a sport — it is a way of life. 

From early morning practices — even on Saturdays — to grueling matches, the team exhales the spirit of competition. But beyond the physical exertion, there’s a deeper connection that binds its members together — their faith. 

For these women, every takedown is a testament to strength, and every pin a victory that fuels their journeys on and off the mat.

Founded by sisters Head Coach Charisse Manley and Assistant Coach Cendall Murphy, the women’s wrestling team is a testament to passion and vision rooted in wrestling from Ho’olehua on the Hawaiian island of Moloka’i. 

“Starting a program from scratch is not easy, especially in an area where women’s wrestling is still gaining traction in the states,” Manley said. “But we had faith in God and were determined to give women an outlet to experience the same joys we experienced growing up.”

The journey began seven years ago when Murphy, a four-time NCWA Grand National champion, laid the groundwork for the team.

“For the first year, it was just me on the men’s team,” Murphy said. “The next year, I started a club with like 15 or 20 girls randomly coming in to learn about wrestling, and suddenly (men’s wrestling Head Coach Jesse Castro) recruits my sister, who won an NCWA Grand National title as a first-year graduate student, to help coach.”

In 2022, the team gained official recognition from Liberty, marking a significant milestone in its journey. With each passing year, the team has grown both in numbers and achievements.

Seniors Maile Ka’ahanui and Claudia Keanini, who were recruited by the coach/sister duo during a trip back to Hawaii, lead the team in victories, with Ka’ahanui boasting a 7-4 record this season and Keanini recently winning four matches over the weekend at the Patriot Duals in Kentucky. Keanini picked up two forfeit wins and won her 170-pound match by 10-0 technical fall in just 23 seconds recently at Emory & Henry College.

Wrestling, however, has brought Ka’ahanui much more than just wins and losses. It’s taught her the value of overcoming adversity, mirroring her faith journey. 

“I had a very hard and mentally challenging sophomore year,” Ka’ahanui said. “Our coaches push us to (be) good wrestlers, yes, but also to become good women. So, when we’re struggling in a match and doubt ourselves, they remind us that we can persevere, just as we’ll face challenges in life.”

Ka’ahanui, who recently made a triumphant return to the ring after a shoulder injury, echoes this sentiment after losing the ability to practice.

“All I wanted to do was wrestle, but I had to be out, unable to do certain things besides sit and watch for weeks, waiting for my chance,” Ka’ahanui said. “But it was there, in the corner of a tournament as I cheered on my teammates fighting to win, the moment I realized this time wasn’t about me.”

When it was time for Ka’ahanui to return to the ring, she found an opponent she never faced before — herself. 

“I didn’t feel like I even deserved to be here,” Ka’ahanui said as she approached the mat. “I froze.”

Ka’ahanui looked up to see her opponent, raised her hand, sprinted off the mat and vomited to the side. 

“I walked off so mad with myself, believing I could have defeated her and failed to show up,” Ka’ahanui said. “As I prayed, I was so mad that I didn’t wrestle. I trained the entire season just to let this girl do whatever she wanted.”

The following day, with the match delayed, she reflected on the previous day’s trials. “I don’t even care if I win at this point,” Ka’ahanui said. “I just want to wrestle.” 

Stepping onto the mat, she could hear the mixed voices of her teammates and the men’s team chanting.

“I gave my everything,” Ka’ahanui said. “It was exhilarating because I could hear my teammates fighting for me and I wasn’t afraid anymore.” She went on to win the next three matches.

Faith plays a central role in the team’s journey, providing it with strength and resilience in the face of adversity. 

“We start each practice with a prayer and end it with a devotional,” Charisse said. “It’s a reminder that we’re not just athletes — we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.”

Claire Wortz, a freshman former cheerleader from Michigan, came off the turf to step into the Liberty ring as an excited sophomore. 

“I love seeing the improvement,” Keanini said. “(Wortz) knew nothing about wrestling, but she’s incredibly athletic and learns quickly.”

As newcomers like Wortz step into uncharted territory, they find themselves in a dynamic sisterhood mentoring the next generation. Freshmen and seniors both benefit from learning from those who came before them.

“Nowadays, several of our girls this year have never wrestled before and end up winning overtime matches at nationals because of our group,” Manley said. “So we’ve definitely experienced a large amount of growth of individuals in the sport of wrestling, which was empowering as a coach.”

“Being part of this team is like being part of a family,” Ka’ahanui said. “We support each other through thick and thin, on and off the mat.” 

After every practice and meet, you’ll hear the Lady Flames chanting, “Be strong and courageous.” 

“It’s Joshua 1:9, a reminder not to be terrified or discouraged, for the Lord is with you wherever you go,” Keanini said.

For coaches Murphy and Manley, the journey has been both challenging and rewarding. It is a labor of love that extends far beyond the confines of the wrestling mat, shaping the lives of those who dare to chase their passions.

“It’s always really encouraging to have a win because if you go to a tournament (and) you don’t have any wins, there’s a cloud on the bus,” Murphy said. “Winning is not everything, but it’s a nice encouragement, especially when they implement a style with success. When there’s a win, it uplifts the spirits for everyone.”

Manley, coming from a predominantly male environment, faces distinct challenges in coaching women, particularly ones concerning self-worth. 

“As women, finding the balance between striving for excellence with full effort and integrity without feeling like a failure after a loss is hard,” Manley said. “Yet, I enjoy helping these girls in understanding that their performance doesn’t have to link to their identity.”

The strive for excellence continues as the team prepares for NCWA Nationals March 14-16. And as new women continue to join the roster and expand the program, the team’s mission of inspiring wrestlers to achieve something greater than themselves grows right along with it. 

Coleman is a sports reporter for the Liberty Champion